Chrysler VP reveals future products: hybrid Ram, dual-clutch gearbox, more
04/14/2008, 4:09 PM
By paulee
A Chrysler executive on Monday said a Ram hybrid pick-up truck is in the automaker’s future as it reshapes its portfolio to become competitive in a difficult market. The information comes from a good source, as Frank Klegon is Chrysler’s executive vice president of product development, and was speaking at the SAE 2008 World Congress currently being held in Detroit.
Apart from the Ram hybrid coming in 2010, Klegon also revealed a communications system similar to Ford’s Sync is coming soon as well, along with a blind spot detection and cross pass system coming to minivans next year. More immediately, a dual clutch transmission is coming before the summer, according to Automotive News.
The dual clutch transmission was developed in partnership with Germany’s Gertrag and will be available in international market 2009 Dodge Journeys, Avengers and Sebrings. Chrysler promises it will bring with it fuel economy and emissions improvements and is just one of “several initiatives” the maker is taking to improve fuel efficiency in its entire line-up.
The updated UConnect system uses Bluetooth to make hands-free phone calls, while the cross pass system will warn drivers of approaching vehicles in parking lots.



04/14, 4:16 PM
posted by:
e36m
Sweet! Double clutch system in cars no one wants!
04/14, 4:21 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
Hybrids=Bull**** waste of time/money
04/14, 4:41 PM
posted by:
WOOKIE62
Reading what you people comment on=Bull**** wate of time….
04/14, 4:42 PM
posted by:
R1GHT30U5
“Sweet! Double clutch system in cars no one wants!”
LOL how true.
“Hybrids=Bull**** waste of time/money”
Agreed, especially in a full size truck!
04/14, 4:43 PM
posted by:
Jon Luc
Hybrids are just a band-aid. What are they gonna do with those old batteries when they’re dead? The can’t recycle them.
04/14, 4:45 PM
posted by:
Culley
Interesting… As crappy as Chrysler’s products are the new ownership seems to realize that and are taking immediate steps to do what it can and improve them “right now”… If they don’t run out of money before they are able to get some brand new designs with this mentality, they may become a bigger force than anyone imagined.
04/14, 5:00 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
great (sarcasm)
04/14, 5:01 PM
posted by:
WOOKIE62
Way to go Culley….A little positive reinforcement for a great American Icon…proud of you…
04/14, 5:15 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Culley, at last a post that isn’t the same regurgitated BS that comes with every article about Chrysler. Do the rest of you honestly think these announcements are merely to keep the press and the likes of us amused? Or maybe like GM there needs to be an article everytime someone spots a Camaro with a different set of rims.
Perhaps more so than any other automaker, the decision makers at Chrysler are earning their money. Too many wrong decisons and it could indeed be the end. Other than to say I told you so, does anyone really want to see that?
04/14, 5:37 PM
posted by:
hateful83
A dual clutch transmission seems like a bit of a stretch in a journey. Although, I’d venture to say not to many other crossovers are offering one. So, they may be on to something.
04/14, 6:25 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
No, a hybrid on a gas hog is a good idea. 5 more MPG on a RAM that gets 12/20 means the car now gets 17/25, which is close to a 40% improvement in MPG around town.
Taking a Civic from 25/35 to 30/40 is not as much bang for the buck.
Targetting hybrids to gas hogs is a high-impact concept. This is why hybrids should be applied to Escalades and Tahoes and Expeditions first, then trickle down to sedans.
04/14, 7:30 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Just build the ZEO and we will call it even.
04/14, 8:16 PM
posted by:
autonut
I recall that Benz and BMW were party to GM 6 speed hybrid development. Therefore, Chrysler will get the same gears as GM full size truck hybrids. I think it is significant improvement on top of their access to blue tech (or yellow pis if you ask me) diesels. Dual clutch I guess is cutesy of Benz as well. This is very important news for Chrysler and very good news. So far they either on par or even ahead of GM in technology and innovation and way ahead of Ford.
04/14, 10:55 PM
posted by:
(V)ike
First, I guess a lot of you posters were never taught “if can’t say something nice, don’t say it” not to mention you’re probably all sexually frustrated 30 year olds still living with the prior mentioned, incompetent parents.
Enough about them, back to the point on hand. Personally, i’ve always loved Chrysler, they have had so many firsts you have to respect them. The Ram has always been a great vehicle and as mentioned earlier, a hybrid is better suited for gas hog vehicles, not to mention an electric motor gets 100% of it’s torque as soon as it starts up… great for towing, hauling, off-roading and many other things trucks are more suited for. Cerburus will turn Chrysler around or die trying, hopefully it’s the former.
04/14, 11:46 PM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
If they wanna make a fuel-efficient towing machine they should do something like benz did and make a diesel-electric hybrid. Now that would be a much bigger boost in both fuel economy and towing ability.
04/15, 1:40 AM
posted by:
amac
A hybrid Ram. Seriously? This is their big idea? Why can’t they make a small car with a hybrid system? Oh yeah, Chrysler can’t make small cars. Nissan will be doing that for them now.
04/15, 7:34 AM
posted by:
kool_aje
Couple years engagement with Benz, Chrysler learn completly nothing. Diesel is the answer, not hybrid. Very disappointed with Auburn Hills.
04/15, 12:32 PM
posted by:
FordTaurusForever
I am happy Chrysler is not rolling over they have good products on the way. I think Hybrids should be mandatory on all vehicles regardless. I would say amac you’d probably see more benefit in a smaller vehicle. But if you use it then you will see the benefit either way